Photo-copying devices



2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 18, 1962 INVENTOR. STE'QL/NG M. SM/TH Lzo June 8, 1965 s. M. SMITH PHOTO-COPYING DEVICES Filed June 1s, 1962 H NM W m vn .N M m e v S V e h N l M 1 S lllllll/l.l m S L 2 m E $2... T Y ',fJV Fi'ffaliflll'l cv B wwww N WOR/Veys United States Patent O 3,187,657 IHT-CPYNG DEVICES teriing M. Smith, 334i@ Andrita St.,

Los Angeles 65, Calif.

Fiied .lune i3, 1962, Ser. No. Zilhi Claims. (Cl. 95-77) This invention relates to photo-copying devices and, more particularly, to such devices which are arranged to be suitable for making photo copies on light sensitive paper by ordinary sunlight.

A considerable number of different devices which permit the copying of printed matter are commercially available. Such devices of one well-known type may be operated to provide copies of original printed matter by exposing a light sensitive matrix positioned adjacent the original and then running oli one or more copies by transfer from the exposed and developed matrix. In devices of another wellknown type, sheets of heat sensitive paper are exposed in accordance with the printed matter desired to be copied. Other devices utilizing different processes are also available. In each case, these devices have been designed to ll the needs of oiiices or business establishments which have a moderate to heavy demand for copying materials in the manner described and which are doing a sufficient volume of business to justify the cost of the device. Such arrangements as are known generally include a lamp mounted in the structure of the photo-copying device for use in reproducing the respective characters of the printe matter upon the light or heat sensitive copy paper. Auxiliary structure is also usually included for completing the exposure and developing involved in the copying process.

It may be mentioned here that copying devices of the type described are capable of copying various materials, whether they be printed, written or generated in other Ways. The term printed matter will be used herein to encompass such materials and is not intended to distinguish materials produced by a printing process from any other materials which are to be copied.

While such copying devices as are known may be very effective for the purposes for which they are designed, they are sufficiently complicated, cumbersome and expensive as to be of little or no interest to very small oiiices, homes, and the like where it is occasionally desirable to be able to make a copy of some printed material but the occasion for doing so arises so infrequently that the purchase of conventional copying equipment is not justied. Such a copying device, were it sufiiciently simple, inexpensive and effective, would not only find use in this section of the market, but would also find utility as an educationa toy along with chemistry sets, t-oy microscopes and the like.

To fill the need for such a photo-copying device calls for a departure from the design techniques employed in presently known arrangements. `Cost may be reduced by eliminating the lamp usually associated with previously known photo-copying devices and by utilizing ordinary sunlight to expose photosensitive paper. In addition to being low in cost, the device should be simple and rugged in construction and light in weight in order to be readily transport-able so that it may easily be taken out-of-doors to be used in direct sunlight.

It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide an inexpensive photo-copying device for providing cop-ies of printed material through exposure to direct sunlight.

Another object of this invention is to provide an effective photo-copying device which is simple both in construction and in operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive pho-to-ccpying device which is suitable for use as a 1.05-

In brief the present invention involves a structure having a curved resilient surface upon which the copy materials (the original to be copied and a sheet of photosensitive copy paper) may be held by a sheet of flexible, transparent plastic. A frame member is rotatably aiiixed to the structure for clamping the plastic sheet in an operating position whereby substantially uniform contact is established over the extent of the copy materials during the time interval of exposure. The frame member is arranged to lift the plastic sheet away from the resilient surface to a second position for inserting or removing the copy materials. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the plastic sheet is selected to provide static electric adherence to the original printed material, thus lifting the original with the plastic sheet s-o that extra copies of the original may be made more rapidly. The entire structure of the invention is simple, rugged and light enough to be readily transportable so that it may be taken out-ofdoors for use with direct sunlight.

One particular arrangement in accordance with the invention comprises a photo-copying device having a body -or base which supports a rectangular pad of resilient material such as foam polyethylene in a manner so tha-t the pad presents a gently curved surface upon which the copy materials may be placed. A flexible sheet of transparent vinyl plastic of a size approximating that of the pad is affixed to the .base at one edge and clamped at the opposite edge to a central portion of a vwire frame member. The frame member is formed in an approximately U shape and afxed at the open ends thereof to pivot points on opposite sides of the base about which it is arranged to rotate. In a irst or operating position of the frame member the plastic sheet is brought into compressive contact with the surface of the resilient pad in order to hold the original and copy materials therebetween. In the first position, the frame member is latched by a pair of springlcaded catches in order to maintain such tension on the plastic sheet that the desired compressive contact is established throughout the exten-t of the inserted materials so that as the arrangement is exposed to the sunlight, a suitable copy of the original printed matter will be produced.

When the frame member i-s raised to a second position, the flexible sheet is held away from the resilient pad so that the copy materials may be removed from or inserted in the device. After exposure the light sensitive copy paper may be removed and developed in a conventional fashion. The flexible pl astice sheet may be charged with static electricity by rubbing i-t so that the uppermost material will adhere when the sheet is lifted. The adherence allows the rapid removal of the copy material for processing and maintains the original in a fixed position relative to the flexible sheet so that a number of identical copies may be made rapidly.

A second particular arrangement in accordance with the invention incorporates structure similar to that described above in conjunction with a pair of light-tight chambers arranged for storing a roll of light-sensitive copy material which may be transferred from one charnber to the other as successive exposures are made. The entire roll may then be removed for developing if desired. In order to facilitate the accurate timing of eX- posures, an opaque curtain may be provided for covering the iiexible sheet and the materials it holds both before and after exposure.

The simplicity and utility of the present invention are furthered in accordance with vthe particular aspects thereof by virtue of the extremely effective way in which the few component parts of the described embodiments are arranged to operate together. The vinyl plastic sheet which replaces the glass plate employed in certain previously known copying devices to maintain contact between the copy materials not only results in a lighter, cheaper and more rugged structure but actually performs the desired function more effectively by conforming to slight depressions, folds and wrinkles which may be present in the printed matter being copied. Furthermore the plastic acts by means of static electric attraction to lift the original material being copied away from the resilient pad when the exposed photosensitive sheet is to be removed. The plastic sheet is curled around the wire frame member and clamped thereto by a clamping member which also serves as a handle for moving the frame member from one position to the other. The arrangement establishes an effective hinge by which the plastic sheet is free to rotate about the frame member as the latter is moved between positions. The frame member is formed of wire for simplicity and for achieving a spring-like effect when it is latched in the operating position by means of the spring-loaded catches so that the plastic sheet may be held under suitable tension in the operating position and thus maintain the copy materials in intimate Contact with each other against the resilient pad. It will be appreciated that arrangements in accordance with the invention may be manufactured at low cost so that an effective and rugged copying device may be oifered for the purposes described.

The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements have like designations and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular arrangement of a photo-copying device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. l taken along the line 2 2;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is .a sectional View of another particular arrangement in accordance with the invention similar to that shown in FIG. 1 but varying in internal constructional details; and

FIG. 5 is a partial plan View of the arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

In FIGS. 1, 2 4and 3 are shown various views of a particular arrangement of a photo-copying device in accordance with the invention. This arrangement comprises a base which is shown to have a generally box-like shape. The base 10 may be constructed from a number of materials such as wood or plastic, though the base of the device shown is constructed of one of the types of plastic which may be injection molded; these plastics are preferred for their high strength-to-weight characteristics and because the base may be formed as one integral unit. The base 10 is constructed with a generally hollow interior in order to reduce the weight of the device and make it portable. To increase the strength of the base 10, a number of spacers 11 may be molded or otherwise constructed into the interior at appropriate intervals. Furthermore, other portions of the interior maybe variously strengthened in a conventlonal manner to provide for mounting other component parts to the base 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 10 has a recess 14 into which a resilient pad 12 is fitted. The recess 14 is defined, in part, by an upper surface 13 and a pair of side members 15 of the base 10 which assist in positioning the pad 12. The upper surface of the pad 12 is rectangular in shape, just larger than the dimensions of the largest-size of the material to be copied, and provides a curved upper surface upon which copy materials may be placed. The pad 12 may be made of various materials, such as foamed polyurethane or foamed polyethylene, which are capable of withstanding a substantial com- A generally rectangular sheet 16 of transparent, flexible material, such as a vinyl plastic, is disposed to extend Over the pad 12. The flexible sheet is slightly longer than the upper surface of the pad 12 and has one edge affixed to the base 10 along a line which extends parallel to an edge of the pad 12. Various Vmeans are available for afiixing the edge of the sheet 16 to the base 10. In a preferred arrangement the edge of the sheet 16 is positioned in a slot 17 and held tightly therein by a wedge 19 which is shaped to fit the slot 17. The sheet 16 is positioned by the wedge 19 so that in one position it fits between the rising edges of the side members 15 and covers the pad 12.

The edge of the sheet 16 opposite its fixed edge is attached to a central portion 18 of a U-shaped wire frame member 20. A tubular clamp 24 is disposed to grip the edge of the sheet 16 curled about the central portion 18 and permits relative rotation of the sheet 16 about the central portion 18. The tubular clamp 24 may be constructed of aluminum sheet material which is bent into the shape of a handle for raising and lowering the frame 20. The frame 20 is fashioned of a wire spring material and is afiixed to the base 10 to rotate between first .and second positions about pivot points in the base 10. As shown, the ends 22 of the frame 20 are bent inwardly and pivot in .a pair of holes 21 in the side members 15 at the opposite sides of the base 10.

pressive force yet of resuming an original shape after A pair of catches 26, such as those having a bullet-type projection 27 urged outwardly by a spring 28, are disposed in receptacles at opposite sides of the base 10 for maintaining the frame 20 in a position in which the sheet 16 is held tightly against the pad 12. The position of the catches 26 is such that the side arms of the frame 20 are distorted slightly when in the first or operating position and thus maintain a constant tension on the sheet 16. The tension on the sheet 16 causes it to exert a compressive force downwardly over the entire upper surface of the pad 12. This compressive force tends to bring the sheet 16 and the pad 12 into complete contact over their entire facing surfaces, compresses the pad 12, and produces a counter-force against the sheet 16. The compressive and counter-forces compel any sheet materials placed between the pad 12 and the vinyl sheet 16 to contact the facing surfaces of the pad 12 and the flexible sheet 16 over the entire area of each and press the two sheets of the copy materials together. This action tends to eliminate any air pockets between the materials and any wrinkles which might tend to interfere with the exposure ofthe copy material.

To complete the basic device, a `pair of frame stops 29 are positioned to project from the opposite side members 15 of the base 1t) to hold the frame 211 in an upright loading position. As best shown in FIG. 2, the frame stops'29 hold the frame 2@ at an appropriate angle so that the copy materials may be placed on the pad 12 without interference from the sheet 16. The frame stops 29, as well as the holders for catches 26 and for the ends 22, may be molded in the base 10 if it is constructed of an injection moldable plastic. If desired, a set of legs 30 may be affixed to the lower corners of the base 11i.

The legs 3G may be rubber or'plastic and may be tted to the base 111 in a conventional manner, such as by tacking, inserting in holes or the like.

The photo-copying device shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may be used for exposing light-sensitive paper in a number of photo-copying processes. For example, the device may be used for the exposure of blueprint paper, for the exposure of photographic paper through a negative film in making contact prints, or for the exposure of various other types of photo-copy materials'according to wellknown copying processes. In making a photo-copy, the above-'described device may be operated in the following manner.

Two sheets of copy material, i.e., the light-sensitive paper and the translucent or transparent original which is to be copied, are placed upon the pad 12 so that the original is uppermost; The frame 20 is drawn down into the first position (as in FIG. 2) in which the catches 26 latch the side arms so that the flexible sheet 16 is drawn tightly against the upper surface of the pad 12. The sheet 16 is a relatively thin, iiexible, transparent sheet of plastic (e.g., a vinyl plastic 0.010 inch thick), and readily conforms to the shape of the upper surface of the pad 12. The two copy materials are pressed tightly together in contact over their entire facing surfaces by the force of the sheet 16 pressing downwardly against the resilient pad 12.

The device is then placed to receive light of suiiicient intensity to expose the light-sensitive paper through the original. It is contemplated that exposure will be effected in direct sunlight and in such a case an exposure time of 30 to 40 seconds is adequate for conventional copying paper. Artificial light sources of appropriate spectral range may be used instead of sunlight but the exposure time'is generally much longer. It should be noted that an opaque blackout curtain or cover may be provided to cover the transparent sheet 16 and the materials which it holds in order to accurately time the exposure interval. An example of such a blackout curtain is illustrated below in the device shown in FGS. 4 and 5.

When the exposure of the light-sensitive copy material is complete, the frame 20 is raised from the first position to draw the vinyl sheet 16 away from the surface of the pad 12. Static electricity, generated by lightly rubbing the plastic .sheet 16, advantageously serves to lift the original material yadjacent the plastic sheet 16 along with the sheet 16 as the frame 20 is raised. ri`hus the exposed sheet may be quickly and easily removed without the difficulty of separating it from the original so that copies may be made more rapidly. Furthermore, the original is thus held in the proper position with respect to the sheet 16 so that a number of uniform copies may be rapidlyl produced from the same original.

After the exposure is completed, the light-sensitive sheet is developed in a conventional manner. For eX- ample,'a number ofk commercial developers are furnished in dry powder form by the manufacturers of blueprint and other light-sensitive papers. These may be mixed with water, and the resulting solution may be rubbed across the light-sensitive face of the copy material by means of a wad of surgical cotton to accomplish the development. An example of such a commercial developer is Dietzgen No. 259-2 developing powder. Alternatively, the exposed sheets of paper may be developed in an at mosphere of ammonia vapor in a conventional manner.

Certain functional aspects which allow the manufacture of ay light and portable, yet eicient, photo-copying device such as that shown in FIGS. l, 2 and 3 should be especially noted. For example, the component parts of the device are maintainedat a minimum by modern manufacturing techniques, .such as injection molding; and

a'number of the component parts serve in multiple capacities. Thus, the over-all size of the device is maintained at a minimum; and its speed and eiiciency of operation are enhanced. For example, the central portion 1S of the frame 20 cooperates with the tubular clamp 24 to provide a handle for raising and lowering the sheet 16 into the correct position for loading and exposure. Furthermore, the frame 2t) applies a force, in cooperation with the catches 26, to hold the flexible sheet 16 in the position in which itexerts an appropriate compres- `sive force upon the pad 12. Additionally, the side arms of the frame 2t) form effective springs for maintaining the pressure upon the central portion-18 and thus upon the sheet 16. Furthermore, the frame 2t) cooperates with the pair of frame supports 29 to holdgthe sheet 16 (and any paperheld thereto by a charge of static electricity) in the upright position so that materials may be placed easily and rapidly within the copying device. The sheet 16 forms a transparent cover for the copy materials,

6 exerts a holding force thereon, establishes the compression which brings about the counter compressive force of the pad 12, and holds the original in position for making a number of identical copies rapidly.

These and other features of the invention are further emphasized in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 which includes a base 10, a resilient pad 12 positioned in a recess 14 on an upper surface of the base 10, a frame 20 which is mounted to rotate about pivot points 21 in the base 10, a flexible sheet 16 aiixed to the frame 20 and positioned in a slot 17, and other component parts such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Externally, the device of FIGS. 4 and 5 is much like that described above, although, as shown, it is constructed of wood rather than plastic. The device differs, however, in thatthe frame member 1t) has a pair of light-tight chambers 32 and 34 positioned internally at opposite ends of the pad 12. The chamber 32 contains a roller 35 supported upon an axis 36 which extends through the frame member 10 parallel to one end of the pad 12. Conventional means, such as a handle 37 which is connected to the roller 35 and projects through one of the side members 15, may be provided for rotating the roller 35 upon its axis 36; and means, such as a slot extending the length of the roller 35, may be provided for receiving one end of a roll 38 of light-sensitive paper.

The roll 38 may be positioned within the chamber 34 at the other end of the pad 12 in a manner so that the copy material may be fed out of the chamber 34, across the pad 12, and down into the chamber 32. By turning the handle 37 which is connected .to the roller 36, succeeding portions of the light-sensitive paper may be drawn out of the chamber 34 and into the correct position for exposure upon the upper surface of the pad 12. After a portion has been exposed, the roll-38 may be advanced so vthat the exposed portion is rolled onto the roller 36 in the chamber 32 where it remains until the time for developing. It should be noted that the device is adapted to allow the processing of a portion or all of the exposed roll 38 depending on the circumstances; for example, an exposed portions may be severed from the roll 3S and developed independently.

The chambers 32 and 34 are made light-tight by means of a pair of cover members 39 which are shaped to extend between the adjacent edge of the pad 12 and one of a pair of upwardly-extending cross members 41 of the base 1t). Each of the cover members 39 is aiiixed to the adjacent end of the pad 12 (such as by gluing). The central portion of the pad 12 is supported by a structural member 14 which defines the curving upper surface 13 of the base 1t) so that the pad 12 functions as a hinge for the cover members 39 for loading and unloading the chambers 32 and 34. A cover stop 4t) is provided to restrict the movement of each of the cover members 39 to terminate at the correct closed position so that the light-sensitive copy material on the roll 38 may be drawn from the chamber 34 and into the chamber 32 without admitting light into either of the chambers. The cover stop 40 may be a wooden dowel extending between and positioned in holes in the side members 1S and its projecting ends may be capped to serve as support stops for the frame 2t).

The device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 also includes a curtain 42. of an opaque material which may be used for covering the copy material on the pad 12 to restrict, and thereby accurately time, their exposure. The curtain 42 is preferably rectangular in shape, is of a size approximating that of the sheet 16, and is atlixed to the base 10 ,at one side of the pad 12 in a manner so that it may be vdrawn over the sheet 16 and the materials held thereby.

In a preferred embodiment, the curtain 42 is attached to a roller 44 having an internal retractile spring (such as a Vconventional curtain roller) so that the curtain 42 may be pulled out rapidly to cover the sheet 16 and may be withdrawn rapidly by the roller 44 .to rest out of the way of the other component parts of the device.

example, the pad 12 applies a counter-force in response.

to its compression by the flexible Sheet 16 to hold the original sheet and' the light-sensitivel paper together over the extent thereof and also functions as a hinge for the cover members 39. The cover stops 40 serve to position the cover members 39 and to support the frame 2t) in the second, or loading, position. The vinyl sheet 16, the frame 2li, and other component parts (as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. l, 2 and 3) also serve a number of functions to reduce the weight and size and to increase the portability of the device.

`Although specific photo-copying devices have been disclosed above by way of example of the manner in which the various aspects of the invention may be used to advantage, it will be appreciatedthat the invention is not limited thereto. Various arrangements in accordance with the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art Without exceeding vthe scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the shape and size of the described embodiment may be varied for use in copying different materials. The shape of the resilient pad may be changed, if desired, and the recess in which it is fitted may be modified by having a fiat bottom for example, in whichy a pad shaped to match but having a curved upper surface may be placed. Other modifications arranged to adapt devices in accordance with the invention to various specific needs may be made without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, any and-all modifications, alterations and equivalent arrangements falling Within the `scope of the following claims should be consideredto be a part of the invention. l

What is'claimed is: Y

1. A photo-copying device comprising a base having a pair off light-tight chambers at opposite ends thereof, a spindle positioned in a first of said chambers for permitting a rolled sheet of photo-sensitive paper to be unr-olled las it is withdrawn from the chamber, a second spindle positioned inthe second light-tight chamber and a-crank handle affixed thereto for rolling up said sheet of photosensitive paper, a resilient pad affixed to the upper side olf the base between the lightatight chambers, a flexible transparent sheet attached to the base, meansifor holding the sheet under tension in a first position of the dev-ice to establish a pressure between the sheet and the pad in Iorder to maintain snbstantially uniform contact between copy materials placed between the transparent sheet and the pad, and a light-tight curtain affixed to the bia-se and disposed to cover the transparent sheet when the photosensitive paper is not to be exposed.

2. A photo-copying device comprising a base member having an upper face with a recess therein, a pad of resilient -foamed plastic material positioned in the recess and having a curving upper sur-face, a flexible-sheet of transparent plastic material, a flexible sheet o`=f opaque material, means for aftixing one edge of each of the flexible sheets to the upper face of the base vmember parallel to a first edge of the pad, a generally U-shape-d wire frame, means for affixing the frame to the base member `so that the'central portion of the ifralme may be moved in a cylindrical path about an axis connecting the open ends of the frame, a tubular clamp positioned to encircle the central port-ion ot the frame opposite the open ends, the clamp having a pair of jaws fixed to hold the free edge of the sheet of transparent mate-rialaibout the central portion of the frame for rotation therealbout, means for holding the .frame in a position to dra'w the sheet of transparent material tightly against the pad, and means for supporting ,the frame in lan upright position for loading the device. y Y

3. A photo-'copying device comprising a surface of Y resilient material, a flexible sheetrof transparent material,

a wire trame arranged to hold the ilexible sheet of transparent material under tension inra first position to exert a substantially equal compressive force across an entire portion of the surface of resilient material and to lift the llexible sheet away from the' surface in a second position, a pair of light-tight chambers, and means for drawing material from a roll of l-igh-t-sensit-ive copy material positioned in one ot theV light-tight chambers across the resilient surface and into the other light-tight chamber.

4. A copying device comprising a pad of resilient material having at least one smooth surface ot sufficient size so that copy materials may be placed thereon, means for supporting the resilient pad so that the center of the smooth surface curves outwardly, a pair of chambers positioned adjacent opposite edges ot the resilient pad', mean-s .for rendering each of said chambers-lightatight including first and second cover members each of which is affixed .to the resilient pad so Vthat the pad forms hinges for pivoting the cover members to open and close their respective chambers, a flexible sheet of vinyl material, means for securingfone edge of the flexible sheet so that the sheet may be positioned to cover the resilient pad, means for holding an opposite edge of the flexible sheet to maintain the sheet under tension in an operating position, and means for maintaining the opposite edge of the flexible sheet at a second position in which the flexible sheet iswithdrawn from the smooth surface of the resilient pad.

5. A Vphoto-copying arrangement comprising a base member of box-like form having first, second and third rectangularly-s'halped recesses in one face thereof, the first and .third recesses lying at opposite sides ot the' second Y recess, covers of shaped material disposed to cover the first and third recesses to form first and second light-tight chambers, a first roller positioned to rotate Within the first chamber and adapted to receive one end of a roll of lightsensitive paper placed within the second chamber, a handle extending outside the first chamber and connected tor rotating the yfirst roller, a resilient foam pad positioned in the second recess in a manner to present a curving surface over which the light-sensitive paper maybe drawn as it is wound on the first roller, a channel in the base member extending parallel to and adjacent one edge of the foam pad, a flexible sheet of transparent plastic material, a wedge securing one edge of the flexible vinyl sheet in the channel, a Wire frame, means for rotating the frame about `an `axis extending through the base member at a position adjacent the wedge and parallel thereto, a clamp having a channel portion positioned to encircle `a portion ot the frame parallel to its axis of rotation, the clamp having a pair of jaws adapted to hold the edge of the plastic sheet opposite the wedge in a secure relationship encircling the frame portion to provide a bearing for the rotation of the curved portion of the sheet about the frame, means positioned on opposite side-s of the base member holding the frame in a positionY to force the ilexible plastic sheet to press against the foam pad, a pair of frame stops on opposite sides of the base member for holding the frame in an upright position, a flexible sheet Vont opaque material, .and .a second roller connected to one edge of the opaque sheetand `afiixed to the base member so that the opaque sheet may be drawn to cover the plastic sheet.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Y Ludwig a 95-73 EvoN C.. BLUNK, Primary Examiner. JOHN M. HORAN, Examiner. 

1. A PHOTO-COPYING DEVICE COMPRISING A BASE HAVING A PAIR OF LIGHT-TIGHT CHAMBERS AT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF, A SPINDLE POSITIONED IN A FIRST OF SAID CHAMBERS FOR PERMITTING A ROLLED SHEET OF PHOTO-SENSITIVE PAPER TO BE UNROLLED AS IT IS WITHDRAWN FROM THE CHAMBER, A SECOND SPINDLE POSITIONED IN THE SECOND LIGHT-TIGHT CHAMBER AND A CRANK HANDLE AFFIXED THERETO FOR ROLLING UP SAID SHEET OF PHOTOSENSITIVE PAPER, A RESILIENT PAD AFFIXED TO THE UPPER SIDE OF THE BASE BETWEEN THE LIGHT-TIGHT CHAMBERS, A FLEXIBLE TRANSPARENT SHEET ATTACHED TO THE BASE, MEANS FOR HOLDING THE SHEET UNDER TENSION IN A FIRST POSITION OF THE DEVICE TO ESTABLISH A PRESSURE BETWEEN THE SHEET AND THE PAD IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM CONTACT BETWEEN COPY MATERIALS PLACED BETWEEN THE TRANSPARENT SHEET AND THE PAD, AND A LIGHT-TIGHT CURTAIN AFFIXED TO THE BASE AND DISPOSED TO COVER THE TRANSPARENT SHEET WHEN THE PHOTOSENSITIVE PAPER IS NOT TO BE EXPOSED. 